That's what his name Immanuel means. "God WITH us." With us in our suffering.

"Faith is spelled R-I- S- K..." So what waters are Jesus calling you to step out on?

God heals. Sometimes through his hand, sometimes through doctors... and sometimes through calling us home to heaven...

Oh boy! Waiting! And then God showed me a big waiting room at a Doctor's Office...

That's where God has me right now. A place of rest. It's not heavy or ill-fitting.

I used to live in Azerbaijan, where hospitality really WAS a core cultural value. Having a Guest was a BIG DEAL...

Have you ever had an "I done goofed" moment with God? I did, just this morning! But I'll get to that in a minute...

More swamps. Just like the passage I read this morning. "More Fire Swamp, God, with quicksand hazards and Rodents of Unusual Size?"

God is ABLE to deliver us, from the bog of our own bad decisions and willful disobedience... But deliverance is often not without pain.

The really astounding part for David, is that God would make these precious promises, as he put it "EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW ME JUST AS I AM."

But be bold, no matter who is watching. No matter what sacred cow is being worshiped.

Maybe God has made promises to you, but all you can see is the locked door? "Stop doubting and believe."

So my question for you is, what's your status? 'Going it alone with your anchor dragging, or are you in safe harbor with other believers?

Sometimes God requires hard things. He gives us missions or puts us in circumstances that require us to be resolute.

Original Song "Unexpected Surprises", written after extraordinarily successful stem cell harvesting.

"Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift..." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Sometimes pruning takes time, so settle down for the waiting!

The Father didn't want to hear his son's excuses, or apologies. He just wanted to hold his son, overwhelmed with the joy of the homecoming.

As I thought about this post, God showed me a man in a straight-jacket. It was the extra-strong arrangement where hands were not only secured with straps, but they were also secured with chains behind his back. I'm sure this man didn't like it much, but he was restrained until released. He may have had big plans for the day, but this was his reality, and it was totally out of his control. Also, it was for his protection!

This morning God showed me something I didn't like. Sigh. A scene of tranquility. Of Resting. He showed me a view from my recliner in front of a window. Outside the window was a winter scene, of a snow covered landscape, deep in drifts. There was also a tree, beautifully iced with big clumps of snow. Bright sunlight, very Currier and Ives. There may have been a lake in the distance. My feet were up, and they were wrapped in a blanket. I was resting...